Today’s episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast featured Steve South, Secretary-Treasurer of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 25 in Boston. Representing more than 13,000 workers across public and private sectors, South detailed his union’s fight against Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company aiming to deploy driverless taxis in Boston. The conversation highlighted Waymo’s business model, the risks associated with driverless technology and the far-reaching implications for organized labor and public safety.
South began by explaining Waymo’s entry into the ride-share landscape, describing a “race to the bottom” that began with taxi drivers, then intensified through Uber and Lyft’s disruptive app platforms. With Waymo and other tech firms now pursuing fleets of autonomous vehicles, South warned this model eliminates driving jobs altogether, threatening as many as 40,000 ride-share positions in Massachusetts and millions more nationwide. The union’s concern is not only the loss of jobs, but also the erosion of wages, benefits and middle-class pathways traditionally provided by driving careers.
Next, South addressed critical safety and regulatory concerns regarding driverless vehicles. He cited numerous accidents involving Waymo cars in other American cities, including fatal incidents involving pets and hazardous encounters, such as driving through wet concrete. Lacking a human operator, these vehicles raise unresolved questions about accident liability, insurance and accountability. South stressed that current oversight is unclear and inadequate, with Waymo’s own data and videos controlling the narrative. He advocated for more stringent regulations at the local, state and potentially federal levels before widespread adoption in Boston.
Finally, South discussed the broader ramifications for labor and the American workforce if automation continues unchecked. He described the impact of automation beyond ride-sharing, threatening delivery drivers, warehouse workers and even emergency services. For South, the push to replace workers with machines is the most concerning threat facing unions since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which he said imperiled tens of millions of jobs. Heightened public awareness and collective action are needed, South said, noting that Teamsters Local 25's coalition work with other unions and political leaders has slowed Waymo’s advance, protected jobs and ensured community safety.
For more from South and Teamsters Local 25, listen to the full episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast above.